Latest Events
Afternoon Tea tea Bishop Wordsworth's school - Monday 2nd March 5-6pm
Afternoon Tea at Wyvern-St.Edmund's - Tuesday 24th March 5-6pm
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Become a SUPA teacher;
a world of opportunities on your doorstep
Southampton University Partnership Alliance
Welcome to SUPA teaching

On behalf of all the schools which make up the SUPA alliance, we’d like to welcome you to what we think is the most exciting teacher training route on the South Coast; your pathway to a career in secondary teaching.
Teaching is an incredibly rewarding career. It takes both empathy and intelligence to see learning through the eyes of the learner; playing a positive and inspirational role in students’ lives is hugely enriching.
There isn’t a better job out there.
If this sounds attractive, we offer an unbeatable package.
Our area, which includes Southampton, Dorset and Wiltshire is varied and stunning. Our training schools have a proven expertise in successfully developing new entrants to the profession, and we are ably supported by the world-renowned Russell Group University of Southampton.
Please read on to discover why we’re so proud of what we do.
We’re confident you’ll find we have all the tools and experience you need to begin your career as a secondary teacher.
All the teachers and staff who make up the SUPA alliance would like to wish you good luck with your application and we hope you have a long, successful and varied career as a teacher.
The landscape of teaching is changing

Today, teachers find themselves in a modern,
flexible profession, with well-defined career
paths and rewards that match performance.
It’s a fun, stimulating and creative role, with
bags of variety. A classroom is one of the
most exciting workplaces in the world. Every
minute of every day, teachers are called on
to use their management, leadership and
communication skills.
Because you spend so much of your training
year in the classroom, you’re making a
difference to students’ lives from the word go.
If you’re concerned you’re not a
‘typical’ teacher, don’t worry. Teaching
welcomes a genuine mix of applicants.
Recent graduates, people looking for
second careers and returners to the
job market are all being drawn to the
challenge and reward of teaching.
Why Choose SUPA?
Southampton University Partnership
Alliance (SUPA) is a unique collaboration
which combines the expertise of highly
experienced teachers in secondary
schools across three counties (Hampshire,
Dorset and Wiltshire), with the renowned
academic support of the education faculty
at the University of Southampton.
Our training programme allows you, as a
trainee teacher, to develop strong links with
your home school from the very beginning,
along with regular academic input from the
University of Southampton - we think it’s
the best of both worlds.
With the SUPA experience, you will
spend the first weeks of your training in
your home school. You will get to know
your new colleagues, and your new
school, before experiencing the work of
another school for three months.
Your main practice in your home school will be from January to June. Throughout the year, you will also attend the University of Southampton with other trainee teachers. This gives you access to the best training available and to a network of trainee teachers who can support and help you.
All our home schools have a proven passion for developing new entrants into the profession. They have worked with the University of Southampton for many years and provide strong and knowledgeable guidance which will help you grow into a highly employable secondary teacher.
Once you are qualified, our trainees usually find a job locally within the alliance.
Jamie Biggs
Secondary Maths School Direct trainee
Bishop Wordsworth’s School
Why did you choose School Direct?
School Direct is a great way to train. You are based in a school from day one, working with experienced teachers and learning how a school really works.
The time at the University of Southampton is also a great way of developing your practice outside the classroom. You get to meet other trainees and work alongside University staff who have great experience of the education sector.
How was the course?
I was placed at two really contrasting
schools. This provided me with real variety and I developed a range of skills which I will be able to apply throughout my career.
The school based part of the course was very supportive and the University gave great guidance throughout.
Top tip
Make sure you listen to teachers; they
are willing to give you help, advice
and things to try. Be brave and always be
willing to try something different.
